4. Asus ROG Claymore Core Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard

This keyboard eschews the more minimal look of so much of the competition for something a lot more skeletal and robotic looking.

It’s an acquired taste, but certainly a unique and appealing aesthetic.

Other than that, you get a customizable ‘light show’ (full RGB), overclocking via a single click (very useful for serious gamers), a high-quality aluminium frame, and compatibility with an optional ‘Claymore Bond’. This gives you the option of adding those extra ten keys.

Unfortunately, this is the only way to get access to macros – though in every other way, the keyboard will tick (click) all the boxes for any gamer.

11. DREVO 84-Key Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard

DREVO’s 84-key mechanical keyboard is a standard among pro gamers, with N-key rollover, white backlighting , three back channels to reduce cord drag and up to 10 command executions at the same time.

Features

84 key style

1.8m USB cable (braided)

White backlight

24 key rollover

Adjustable stand

ABS double-shot keycaps

Up to 10 command execution

Design

The keyboard is sleek with a white backlight design, weighs just 2.4 pounds and has product dimensions of 12.3” x 5.2” x 1.6.” An adjustable stand provides a better overall feel and comfort when gaming for long periods of time.

Ergonomic in design, the layout is ideal for gamers and offers four switches for optimal customization.

DREVO’s keyboard offers comfort and freedom, and this is done in a few distinct ways. Four switches allow gamers to adapt the keyboard to their own playstyles. The white LED backlight allows for easy visibility even at night.

Offering a 1.8m braided USB cord and three back channels, users are able to enjoy true freedom, with no cord drag and multiple customization options.

N-key rollover further accelerates gamer performance.

12. VELOCIFIRE TKL02 Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard

VELOCIFIRE’s keyboard combines an ergonomic design, 87 key tenkeyless function, brown switches for lower noise production and a white LED backlit design. Curved keys and a slope allow for less typing fatigue while a well-footed elevation makes typing more comfortable for the user.

Features

87 key style

Double-shot mold keys

Durable brown switch

Universal compatibility

Curved keys with a slope for better ergonomics

Wired design

Design

The TKL02 is ideal for programmers and typists, but it can be used by anyone. Brown switches add to the quietness of the keyboard while offering a faster response time. The tilting feet and non-slip button keep the keyboard in place.

A 180cm cable is provided along with a USB connector to allow for greater reach when using the TKL02.

The white backlit LED adds to user visibility, while the compatibility between Linux and Windows offers a flexible keyboard option.

Performance

Comfortable even after long sessions of typing, the entire design of the keyboard is meant to enhance performance. The keys are slightly curved and there’s an arc and slope that’s perfect for alleviating strain on the wrist.

The unit is smaller than the TKL01, and the weight is also reduced.

When typing, you’ll notice that the keycaps are recessed, and the double shot keycaps will keep lettering from scratching off over time.

13. Redragon K552 Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard

Redragon’s K552 is designed for gamers and comes with a black, red LED backlit. The 87 key design and a custom mechanical switch make this keyboard ideal for gaming, while the double-shot injection keycaps add to the keyboard’s durability.

Features

87 key design

Red backlit design

Custom mechanical switches

Splash-proof design

12 multimedia keys

Metal and ABS construction

Actuation force 50gf +/- 5gf

Design

Designed for gaming, the K552 has fast response times, with a keystroke travel of 2.0mm and an actuation force of 50gf. Tested to 50 million keystrokes, the keyboard has 100% conflict-free keys, with anti-ghosting and 87 keys.

There are 12 multimedia keys provided and a WIN key which can be disabled during gameplay.

Great for work and gaming, the keyboard’s fast response time reduces errors and typos while enhancing gameplay for gamers.

Non-slip rear feet keep the K552 in place even during intense gaming sessions.

Performance

Fast and efficient, the custom mechanical switches are designed for gamers that demand the fastest response time. Gold-plated connections allow for a corrosion-free design with the utmost in connection reliability.

The raised keys require a light touch to type, and the true mechanical design provides that click sound that many budget-friendly models don’t offer.

Metal and ABS construction add to the durability of the keyboard, while the medium resistance and tactile feedback keep performance high.

14. Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro S Keyboard

Cooler Master’s MasterKeys Pro S is a gaming keyboard with over 16.7 million RGB lighting options, patented LED design, full color optimization, brown key switches for gaming and profile support.

Features

7 million color RGB lighting

Multiple lighting modes

6-key and N-key

Profile support

On-the-fly macro support

CHERRY MX brown switches

Detachable cord

Design

The hassle-free design and Cherry MX switches allow for fast, precision keystrokes that are ideal for gamers. A plastic housing allows for the LED backlight to shine through while the switches provide fast, accurate control when gaming.

The space key can be a bit mushy at times, but that’s typical with longer keys and Cherry MX switches.

Well-made, the cable is thick and will be able to withstand wear with no issues. A dust cover is provided, and the metal plate behind the switches provides added durability during play. You’ll also benefit from a detachable micro-USB port.

The keys (aside from the longer keys) feel sturdy and responsive.

15. iKBC CD87 TKL Keyboard

The iKBC CD87 offers a medium tactile and light click switch designed for firmness. Cherry MX clear switches are used in this keyboard to provide the firm yet quick response times needed when typing and gaming.

Ergonomic and wide, this keyboard is feature-rich and responsive.

Features

Cherry MX profile

PBT keycaps

3 levels of adjustable feet

3-way cable and cord management

Laser-etched key engravings

100% anti-ghosting

Lockable WIN key

Multimedia keys

Design

Ergonomic in design, this keyboard comes with wide PBT keycaps and provides comfort even during long typing sessions. The package contains a 12-piece dye-sub PBT keycap set and a 10-piece PBT keycap set in red and blue.

There’s a steel plate behind the keys, and ABS plastic on the bottom and top panels.

All keycaps have PBT laser printing for a long-lasting design. Keyboard layout is a standard US/ANSI layout, and the cable length is a generous 4.9-feet.

Performance

The CD87 is all about performance, with Cherry MX switches that are designed to be the perfect balance between gaming and typing. The keyboard is not backlit, but it includes USB 2.0 full speed support, anti-ghosting N-key rollover, media keys, and RESET function, too.

A three-way cable management cord system allows for maximum comfort when playing.

Weighing a little over three pounds, even when in use, the keyboard will stay firmly in place. There are colored special keycaps that offer a smoother feel when typing.

The metal back plate adds to the keyboard’s natural feel and heft. Users can choose to disable the WIN key, which is optimal when playing games. There are also multimedia keys which allow you to adjust all of your volume controls and also open up your calculator.

Closing Comments

All of these keyboards are great options, though there are no doubt some standouts even in this top-quality selection.

We recommend that you seek out keyboards that use Cherry MX switches where possible, and that you try the different colors before making your choice.

Many will prefer red switches owing to their speed and their satisfying tactile response.

However, blue is generally the preference for those who do a lot of typing owing to just how ‘clicky’ (and also loud) they are.

Really, it is the switch that makes the keyboard, especially given just how similar all these designs are, and even how similar the additional features are in most cases!

Otherwise, look for keyboards with macros, a wire, and RGB lighting and you’ll have the basics covered. You’ll gain an edge in your gaming, and the competition won’t see you coming!

About The Author

David has been interested in computers for over 25 years. From playing games on his parents computer as a kid in the early 90s, to building his first PC in 2003 (and many more since then). He has a passion for everything related to computing and this site is dedicated to helping others find the info they need.